Electric Dilintia

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Media Diet

You know what I need less of? Compulsively checking video game news sites for information about new games.

I remember being generally content about my video game library when I was younger. Sure, there was the occasional TV marketing blitz, the odd copy of EGM to drag home, but generally speaking, my mind wasn't constantly saturated with ideas about games that I didn't yet own.

I began last night. I want to see how long I can go without needing to see what's cool and hot in the world of video games. With any luck, this will go some distance toward reducing my desire for new games.

Saturday, February 02, 2008

The Pokemon Diaries

I emerge from Rock Tunnel, weary but steadfast. The path was longer than I had expected it to be, and I was challenged many times along the way.

My bike rolls me easily down from the foothills to somber Lavender Town. My journey has begun to take me to places half-remembered. Brock, Misty, Surge -- yes, I had remembered them well. I wear their badges on my jacket. But what waits for me in Lavender? It's a mystery. I don't even remember if there's a Gym in Lavender Town.

Six balls are set into my belt -- my Pokemon. We've been together for a short time, and yet we've already seen so much together. The Bulbasaur I received from Professor Oak is now a hardy Ivysaur, slaying enormous Onix with a single blow of its vine whip. The Spearow I caught on Route 3 is now a majestic Fearow, razing unfortunate plants and Machop with its cruel beak. The Magikarp I purchased at the foot of Mount Moon has unleashed its potential as a mighty Gyarados. The Diglett I caught in Diglett Cave -- which single-handedly defeated Surge's entire Gym -- has been joined by two others to form a deadly Dugtrio. The Abra I captured on Route 24 has been carefully groomed into a fearsome Kadabra, capable of unleashing unspeakable psychic attacks. And although Pikachu hasn't undergone a change of form, he enjoys the honor of defeating Misty's entire Gym by himself.

One by one, my team has come together. They have served me well in the Rock Tunnel, and are in dire need of rest, so I take them immediately to the town's Pokemon Center.

As I leave them in the care of the Center's administrators, I take some time to relax in the corner. I get out my map and ponder the shape of my journey so far. It's been a long, long road from Pallet Town, and a longer road still lies ahead. My travels have taken me the long way around Saffron City, but I know that the road will take me there very, very soon. Of all the places where I have found Team Rocket, I know that one will be the worst.

I put the map away and dig into the bottom of my backpack for the digital book. My precious research. The real purpose of my journey.

My Pokedex.

It was never my intention to seek glory or power. The road to the championship is a means to an end, nothing more. No, my real obsession is this electronic book that Professor Oak gave to me when he gave me my Bulbasaur. There was something about the look in his eyes when he told me about his dream of creating a comprehensive guide to Pokemon. It spoke of weariness, regret, missed opportunities. I can think of no better way to repay him for his gift than to do everything in my power to make sure that his dream finally comes true.

I flip through the digital pages over a cup of coffee. I've seen many, many kinds already -- 63 to be exact -- but only 28 are cataloged. I've found many of the basic types already. I plan to take the time to raise them to evolution once this journey is complete. Of course, I know I'll need the help of my colleagues -- Blue and Yellow in Kanto and Gold and Silver in Johto. It's a monumental undertaking. I'm still not entirely sure that I'm up for it.

I'm called back to the front. My team is ready to go. I get my backpack together again and get ready to face the road again.